Two former Tennessee school guards claim they were fired because they’re White — not because they tackled a pregnant teenager. According to WBRC, Henry Todd and Richard Pinner are now suing Shelby County Schools and their case is going to trial.
In 2013, the former Northwest Prep Academy school guards were caught on tape using excessive force to take down a 17-year-old pregnant student. They claim they were justified in doing so because she was resisting arrest. The surveillance footage shows the teen snacking on something before guards try to grab her wrist. As she tries to run off, both officers bear-hug her before pressing her against the floor, the New York Daily News noted.
It appears the teenager in no way needed to be tackled, and the school agreed. Todd and Pinner were fired shortly afterwards.
However, in court on Monday, a teacher testified that he heard the school’s principal say, “If those white officers hurt my black babies, I’m going to have them fired,” WBRC reported.
The former principal testified these allegations are not true and the guards were not discriminated against.
SOURCE: WBRC, New York Daily News | PHOTO CREDIT: Getty | VIDEO CREDIT: YouTube
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